Tebow Time on Hold

Tebow Time on Hold
By Michael Parente

The miracle run of Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos ran its course and hit the wall last weekend at the hands of a blowout win for the New England Patriots.  There are many who will say and think that we now have proof that maybe God is not that concerned about Tebow, the Bronco's or the NFL after all.

While I would agree that God is not merely a Denver Bronco fan, it would be an understatement to believe that he doesn't intervene in the affairs of Man; especially when it serves to spread the good news, which is the Gospel message. While many professional athletes count themselves Christians, it was Tim Tebow's public display of his faith on the national stage (and there are few larger than the NFL) that landed him in that rarefied atmosphere of icons of American culture... loved by many, hated by some, criticized daily while capturing hearts and minds consistently.

Much has been made of Tebow's Christian faith and miraculous 4th quarter comeback's this year culminating in a dramatic overtime playoff win against the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers on the first play from scrimmage in the extra period.  No matter your religious faith or lack of one, admittedly something Divine seemed to be happening here.

How does one account for the other-worldly "Tebow-by-the-numbers" puzzle?  The statistics revealed that Tebow had passed for 316 yards on only 10 completions.  That fact prompted media sources, social and otherwise, to light up the Internet with millions of hits citing the well known biblical scripture verse of John 3:16.  Ironically it was displayed on signs and banners in stadium end zones for years… held by what always seemed like scruffy looking guys in rainbow wigs and sandals.   Understandingly the message got lost with that messenger.  Not so with Tebow, who does the hard work on the field and walks the walk in public. Photos emerged showing Tim wearing the verse (among others) on his eye black from his days at the University of Florida.  Sports media hosts remained tongue-tied as the blogosphere rambled on all week citing the 316 yards, the 31.6 average completion yards and for good measure, the Nielson rating of 31.6 for households that had witnessed the inexplicable feat. 

Even though the stage has been huge, Tebow has kept grounded for his mature- beyond- his- year’s age of 24. During the season and as part of his personal philanthropy programs (Wish / Dreams Come True) he has made it a point to visit different young and infirmed children in Denver and other cities he is playing before and after every game.  This specific program aims to bring the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses to life.  He has additional plans through the Tebow Foundation to build a children's hospital (fall of 2011) in the Philippines, the country where Tebow was born. 

 Lest anyone forget, Tebow's parents were Christian missionaries living there when his mother was pregnant with Tim.  Doctors had expected a stillbirth and recommended an abortion to protect her life.  She refused and chose life. This incident was depicted during Super Bowl 41 in a thirty second commercial (sponsored by Focus on the Family, a prominent Christian ministry) that riled women's groups and was condemned by the pro-choice class while pro-life groups celebrated the ad.  Tebow, by living out his values sent a strong but gentle pro-family message.  Obviously, he was not a stranger to controversy before reaching the NFL.

On this day, his final game of the season, Tebow fulfilled his generous obligation, meeting a young man named Zach McLeod who suffered a severe head injury a few years back that has left him incapacitated. For Tebow, this activity made it a "good" day in contrast to the lopsided outcome of a 45-10 defeat on the gridiron.  He said as much in a post game interview stating "it all depends on what lens you are looking through".  That is a great perspective for our current sports craved culture. We know that Tebow is looking at life through a Christian worldview and that makes all the difference.

These are real life stories and football is still a game. Tim Tebow, at a young age, knows that and exhibits his faith in Christ along with love for his fellow man with such sincerity.  For that he has become a polarizing figure to the masses that make up American culture.  He is both loved and rejected, much the way Jesus Christ was in the flesh 2000 years ago and as he lives today through believers.

Tebow will not get the chance this year to lead  his team in pursuit of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the NFL’s highest honor, named for the legendary Green Bay Packers coach who said this in a May 1964 speech to the First Friday Club of Los Angeles:

“When we place our dependence in God, we are unencumbered, and we have no worry. In fact, we may even be reckless, insofar as our part in the production is concerned. This confidence, this sureness of action, is both contagious and an aid to the perfect action.

“The rest is in the hands of God -- and this is the same God, gentlemen, who has won all of His battles up to now.”

Tim Tebow may have channeled the legendary Vince Lombardi in his quest to do his best to win but also honor God with his life in Football and the example he sets in the public square.

Michael Parente is a businessman, sports fan, and free lance writer living in Woodland Hills. He can reached at mparente@socal.rr.com  

Judgment Day

President Obama, How do I judge thee? Let me count the ways.

One -- Economy and Jobs: What’s more important?  It’s quite a familiar narrative by now.  Excluding last month’s job report numbers, the unemployment rate towered above 8%  since February of 2009 (Obama’s first month in office) and for  40 straight months over 3 years.  Hordes of Americans have quit looking for work.  No incumbent president has ever won re-election with a scorecard like that.  Ask Jimmy Carter! It’s 1980 all over again.   Case closed!  But it gets worse…

There are fewer Americans at work today than in April of 2000, even though the population has grown by 31 million.  More than 45 million people are on food stamps, 15% of the population compared with 7.9% from 1970-2000. More than 11 million Americans are collecting federal disability checks, half of them signing on since Obama took office.

There have been huge declines in personal net worth, much of it coming from the fall in the value of home equity.  A gallon of gas was $1.91 when Obama took office…

These numbers have been recited ad nauseam but they are unchallengeable.  How long can we blame the Bush administration?  What is the Presidents responsibility? Where is his leadership?

His speeches have been about creating divisiveness and class warfare and blaming the so-called “rich” for not paying their fare share of income taxes.  Baloney! Even the CBO states ‘The share of taxes paid by high-income groups exceeded their share of income because average tax rates rise with income”.

No mas, Senor Obama…  Adios amigo!  Our country is beginning to resemble Europe and not for its charm but its social democracy.  

As if this wasn’t enough to sink President Obama’s ship, there is a litany of additional bad policy decisions.  I’m just getting warmed up!

Two-- Obama care:  The government will take over our Health Care, an industry which equates to about 1/6 of the economy.  What could possibly go wrong? It was passed in Congress without a single Republican vote. So much for being bipartisan?

Three --The Debt: There used to be an expression coined by the late Senator Everett Dirksen when he spoke about government programs, “A billion here, a billion there and pretty soon you’re talking real money”. We now have trillions – you can add five of those trillions to the deficit since this President has been in office. “A trillion here, a trillion there… well, you get the picture.

But let’s keep funding PBS and Planned Parenthood (over 300 million each).  I realize it’s a pittance in the big scheme of things, so why subsidize them with tax dollars we have to borrow from China, as Governor Romney put it. Big Bird will do just fine leaving the nest and Planned Parenthood can surely raise funds from their donor base. After all, abortion rights are a staple of their party platform.  How proud they should be to allow the killing of unborn babies to take center stage at their convention. 

Four—Social issues: The Obama campaign also put this “War on women” trope front and center at their convention. It is a distraction, diversion and a miscalculation that could backfire among professional women. Do women only care about abortion and contraception?  It’s like the democrats are saying, “don’t worry your pretty little heads about these men’s issues – the economy and foreign policy, worry about contraception” (which has been a constitutional right for 47 years).  How patronizing and condescending!!  Don’t be fooled, ladies. Cast your vote on the more substantive issues that affect your daily life—like a strong economy, jobs/career and family.

Five—Foreign Policy: There is also no doubt we will see the President front and center this week dealing with Hurricane Sandy.  We are still waiting for him to explain what happened during the hours our embassy was being attacked in Benghazi, Libya that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.  It’s an example of shameful politics triumphing over national security interests.

 Obama and his administration went to great lengths to advance some charade that the attack was in response to an anti-Islamic Internet video? The president likely feared the reputation that his administration was ill-prepared to deal with a clear terrorist threat on the anniversary of Sept. 11.  

Outside of the success of capturing and killing Osama bin Laden, his foreign policy record lacks a strong resolve of what Reagan labeled “peace through strength”.  Mr. Romney called him out on it by accurately describing his initial trip to the Middle East (conveniently skipping our ally Israel) as an “Apology Tour” thus capturing this superficial rock star appeal that the media tends to promote.  Note his appearances on Letterman, Leno, the View and John Stewart as examples of his hip persona.

Six -- Time to Choose:  Make no mistake, citizens of America… we saw the real Obama on the Denver stage during his first debate back in early October.  It was a game changer for this election and the Romney campaign. Peggy Noonan said it best, “He came across as petulant, put upon, above it all and full of himself. He couldn’t afford to make himself look less impressive than the challenger in terms of command, grasp of facts and size. But that’s what he did”.

Hope and change was merely a slogan that didn’t work out so well the last four years… Imagine this President unrestrained in a second term with nothing politically to lose? Sound appealing? It’s our country at stake… let’s make that change!

What Women Want!

Maybe I’m just naïve. Are the Democrats really serious about a GOP war on women? I have a friend who continually makes the point, “I can't imagine any woman voting GOP”.  Is the point that my wife and many other (millions) women must be stupid?  Seriously, do women only care about abortion and contraception?  Conservative pundit Ann Coulter has often said that abortion is a sacrament to those on the Left. I’m starting to believe it.  

The latest salvo in this fictitious war was triggered by senatorial candidate Todd Akin when asked about his stance on the abortion issue when it’s connected to rape. Of course by now you know he bungled his answer stating erroneously that “women's bodies have a way of shutting down from the trauma of "legitimate rape" and rarely become pregnant”.

Yikes!  From what textbook did he learn that concept? Shame on him for believing such dogma. But did we really need the bizarre rhetoric coming from the liberal quarters about how Mr. Akin spoke for the majority of the conservative pro-life cause.  Baloney! Every conservative pol and pundit alike, including Mitt Romney himself criticized the remark and distanced themselves from supporting Akin in his bid. He has defiantly decided to continue his campaign probably to the detriment of the party. 

Having said that, the pro-life stance has always believed human life in (and out of) the womb is sacred, whether conceived in love or otherwise – that being rape or incest.  The only exception is when the mother’s life is in jeopardy.

Somehow this has become an extreme position… and I’ll admit it is a hard teaching. The thought of carrying a baby conceived from an assault is difficult to grasp.  New York Times columnist Ross Douhat describes that “Even the most rigorous abortion foe recognizes the unique agony—and perhaps, the political impossibility— of asking a woman to bear her rapists child”.

But let’s be honest, this practice constitutes less than 1% of all abortion performed in the US where the number of legal abortions in any given year is in the 1 million range.  Most abortions are simply for convenience, which may also include sex selective abortion. But to the Left, that is not considered extreme. Nor is the practice of second and third trimester abortions and the heinous practice of partial birth abortions.  That is what the Democrats stand on. That is their platform.  

Democrats also have a tendency to forget that the public doesn’t necessarily agree with them. Large majorities support bans on second and third trimester abortion, sex selective and partial birth abortions.  In Barack Obama, they have a nominee who occupies this leftward pole of the abortion debate; he’s pro-choice with almost no limitations or exceptions.

But what else are the democrats going to speak about?  The economy is in the tank, unemployment still hovers above 8% after 4 years with no signs of improvement. The national debt sits at 16 trillion.  Let’s hearken back to the good old days of yesteryear and the 1992 election campaign where Bill Clinton ran on the slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid” That is where we are today, in spite of the Democrats turning it into a battle over these divisive social issues. 

Even their upcoming  convention platform includes a rogues gallery of speakers straight out of the abortion rights movement – the presidents of both Planned Parenthood and NARAL will take the stage along with Sandra Fluke, their torch bearer for free contraception. Honestly, is this all that matters?

When Ann Romney took the stage at the Republican National Convention last week, she spoke from the heart and played to everyone’s heart about the rich life of a woman.  “I love you, women,” she shouted, and proceeded to praise America’s women for their love of country, their marriages, their families and children.  In this day and age, women are concerned about the economy, jobs, education, health care and the future of their children and grandchildren. 

She succinctly described the plight of women in America not in terms of the abortion debate but in the daily grind that all of us struggle to get our arms around.  Here is an excerpt:

It's the women and moms of this nation -- single, married, widowed -- who really hold this country together. We're the mothers, we're the wives, we're the grandmothers, we're the big sisters, we're the little sisters, we're the daughters. You are the best of America. You are the hope of America. There would not be an America without you. Tonight, we salute you and sing your praises”

Who can argue with that? She, like most of us and despite her financial blessings, has experienced life’s slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as well as pain and agony.  Keep in mind that she suffers from MS (as my wife also does) and has had breast cancer.  She is the daughter of a coal miner from Wales… sound familiar?  The American dream has been real for her as it has for millions of Americans who came to these shores as immigrants. 

Ah, yes, just remembering the promise of the American  dream for everyone  becomes the defining moment of our time… not some concocted smokescreen that pigeon-holes our women into thinking a political party (GOP) is out to get them.  

Free Speech Never Tasted So Good

Oh what a night!  The most amazing place to be on Wednesday, August 1^st was at the Northridge Chick-fil-A restaurant. There were literally thousands of people throughout the day and night patiently waiting to buy a chicken sandwich in support of beleaguered COO Dan Cathy and his wonderful family-run business.  This action, termed Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was repeated all over the country in over 1600 restaurants. Never underestimate the will and heart of the American people when their values are questioned and their liberty is at stake.  While the company would not give specific amounts, they reported it was indeed a record day. 

If you have been following the recent frenzy over Mr. Cathy’s remarks where he simply expresses his Christian and Biblical view of marriage between one man and one woman… then you can understand the outbursts from those in the same sex marriage camp coming down on what they perceive as a radical, hateful, intolerant viewpoint. Same- old, same-old from the Left?

But it became a free speech issue when the mayors of Boston, Chicago and other cities publicly stated that Chick-fil- A would not be welcome in their cities, because of Mr. Cathy’s views, which are summed up in their mission statement, “The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender,” How threatening to the community!!

 Isn't it ironic that Mr. Cathy is being vilified for holding the same view of marriage as President Obama held until a few months ago... until he turned, well, chicken.

It is no secret Chick-fil-A has upheld their Christian values for years by publicly expressing their decision to close on Sundays so their employees can attend Church services if they wish and spend a day with their families. That has been described as "cultish" in certain circles. Honestly?

 It was all very encouraging to experience the fellowship of others who believe in liberty and the values that our country should be celebrating while waiting hours in a snaking line through the parking lot.  If we can count on this enthusiasm in November, Mr. Obama will ride into the sunset -- or at least back to Chicago –where Chick-fil-A is not welcome (more irony). 

Unlike the gruesome “Occupy” movement, this crowd couldn’t have been more polite and the restaurant staff more cordial and calm in the face of a relentless onslaught of hungry diners. This is the only San Fernando Valley location of the popular national chain.  What an event to showcase their excellent food and first class service, to many first time patrons, to not only support a wonderful well-meaning business but also because the food, atmosphere and service is excellent.  As citizens of a free market economy, that is the quintessential American experience!  Count me in!

Truth Runner: War! What is it Good For?

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War! What is it Good For?

It seems that every time I open the newspaper, tune into talk radio or watch TV Network/Cable news, I keep hearing the phrase “War on Women”.  Really?

When I hear the word War, I think Iraq, Afghanistan, The Middle East, Israel, Iran or Syria.   America is no stranger to War and has a rich history and checkered past when it comes to conflict.  But is there really a war against women in the USA? Who knew?

Say it aint so, Joe.  I don’t want to go to war with women. I like women.  In fact I love a number of them.  I’m married to one… My mother is a woman, so is my sister, I have three sisters- in- law, two daughters and  three granddaughters… and countless friends, wives of friends, ex-wives of friends.  Some of my best business clients are women.  If I harm them, I may not eat or pay my mortgage. A woman cuts my hair... with sharp scissors in her hands. How safe is that if we are at war?

When did this war start?  Was there a draft...  like in Vietnam?  Was their training? Boot Camp? How come no one told me to prepare? They let me come home every night and attempt to listen to my wife tell me about her day.  I could have used guerilla tactics by staying late at the office or stopping off at the golf course.  Or retire to my “man-cave” at home to watch ESPN and MLB Network before dinner.  

But hey, if we are at war, would my wife even make me dinner?   She did, so I asked her “Honey, are we at war with you women”?  She answered “Not if you help with the dishes”.  Whew! Is that all I need to do to avert a major conflict? But there had to be more to it.  The Media outlets wouldn’t embellish this war, would they? What could prompt her to invoke the “He Needed Killing’ law to be put into effect? Would I have to sleep with one-eye open?

Who else could I ask, who else would know.   I called my Mother... after all, she has been a women for 91 years so I needed to pick her brain about any wars she may have engaged in, not the least of which with my father, who I thought might be sainted after he died… for demonstrating superb patience in the wake of their marriage wars.  But when I called her to ask if we were at war, she said what she always says to me; What time is it there?  How’s the weather? And How ‘bout those Phillies! (She lives in Philadelphia –a great a place to be from – “from” being the key word).

My sister just sent me a CD titled “The Lord is my Shepherd” – Hmmm!  Psalm 23… with beautiful violin music for times of prayer and contemplation.  That’s certainly not a war cry. But maybe she is trying to divert my attention away from the coming battle.

Diversion? That’s it! Why didn’t I realize it sooner?  We are in an election year!  And the President is running for re-election. And he has to run on his record… yikes! Nobody in their right mind would want that.  Gosh, there are 12 million people out of work, many for 6 months or longer; 15 trillion in debt, excessive regulation strangling small business, the 99% are waging class warfare against anyone making six figures.  Suburban soccer Moms are paying $90 to fill up their SUV’s? Now that means War – on women’s pocketbooks.

But what do we hear? Sandra Fluke, a thirty year old woman attending Georgetown Law School ($23,000  tuition per semester) can’t afford to have sex because some killjoys insist that Health Insurance provided by Catholic institutions (and our cash strapped government) refrain from paying for her contraception.  She claims this form of “health care” that prevents pregnancy may cost $3000 over a three year term.  Her parents must be proud... to hear of her ambitious exploits! What happened to modesty? Or ladies who didn’t kiss and tell?  Maybe she feels stuck in that Virginia Slims ad from the early 70’s “You’ve come a long way, baby”. But geez, what a slacker—buck up, honey, you’re 30 years old.

 We’re told emphatically this is a women’s rights and health issue. Since when has obtaining contraception ever been a problem –until now?  Why, birth control pills must cost all of $10 per month at large retailers Wal-Mart and Target… and are free at Planned Parenthood clinics. That’s $120 annually, less than the cost of a premium cable channel, or two Starbucks lattes.

But I digress.  It’s time to strategize… President Obama needs votes –so let’s start a war. War is good for business. Let’s have the tail wag the dog!  Let’s divert the country’s attention from the real issues and hunker down under the veil of Women’s Rights.  Yeah, that’s the ticket; the GOP won’t know what hit them.  The President even called Ms. Fluke to encourage her as she testified before Congress to declare that the War is indeed raging.  What do you think he said? Did he quote Lincoln, Eisenhower, or Churchill-- real leaders during real Wars?  No, he probably just quoted the immortal words of Sun Tzu, “All war is deception”.  Charge!!

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